Virtual peripherals for mobile devices

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone) supporting virtual peripherals are described. The mobile device may include a projecting component configured to project images to external surfaces outside of the mobile device. In some cases, the mobile device may project an image of a document on a first external surface and an image of a keyboard on a second external surface. Moreover, the mobile device may include an imaging component to receive inputs based on sensing an input device overlaid on the projected image (e.g., the keyboard). Accordingly, the mobile device may function as a computer with an external monitor and a keyboard, virtually added to the mobile device. In some cases, the mobile device may serve two or more users or purposes at a time. For example, the mobile device may operate as an infotainment device of a vehicle.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method, comprising:
 generating a first image to display; 
 coupling a routing component of a mobile device with a projecting component of the mobile device, wherein the routing component is configured to route the first image to the projecting component, and wherein the projecting component is configured to project the first image to an external surface outside of the mobile device; 
 projecting the first image to the external surface via the projecting component; 
 transmitting the first image to the projecting component through the routing component, after coupling the routing component with the projecting component, 
 coupling the routing component with a separate device; and 
 displaying the first image on the separate device. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 generating a second image to display; 
 coupling the routing component with a first screen of the mobile device; and 
 displaying the second image on the first screen, wherein projecting the first image to the external surface is concurrent with displaying the second image on the first screen. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein projecting the first image to the external surface is concurrent with displaying the first image on separate device. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the external surface includes an opaque surface. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the external surface includes a transparent surface. 
     
     
       6. An apparatus, comprising:
 a first screen; 
 a projecting component configured to project a first image to a first external surface outside of the apparatus; 
 a routing component configured to couple with the projecting component and route the first image to the projecting component; and 
 circuitry configured to:
 generate the first image; 
 couple the routing component with the projecting component; 
 project the first image to the first external surface via the projecting component; 
 transmit the first image to the projecting component through the routing component, after coupling the routing component with the projecting component; 
 couple the routing component with a separate device; and 
 display the first image on the separate device. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the circuitry is further configured to:
 generate a second image to display; 
 couple the routing component with the first screen; and 
 display the second image on the first screen, wherein projecting the first image to the external surface is concurrent with displaying the second image on the first screen. 
 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein projecting the first image to the external surface is concurrent with displaying the first image on the separate device. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the projecting component comprises a flashlight component of the apparatus.